Mycotoxins are metabolites of fungi that can adversely
affect animal and human health. Mycotoxins can be produced in grain during
storage or processing, but are most frequently associated with fungal infection
that occur before harvest. Environmental factors that determine fungal
infection and mycotoxin production are complex. Generally, a basal level
of mycotoxins is present in US grain; however, in some years, environmental
conditions lead to localized or widespread outbreaks of mycotoxin contamination.
The scientists involved in this multistate, multidisciplinary research
work individually on mycotoxin issues related to their respective disciplines
and areas of expertise. Just as agriculture is diverse and varies greatly
from state to state (and in many instances, within a given state), the
occurrence and severity of mycotoxin outbreaks vary widely across the US.
A multistate effort ensures a thorough approach to investigate a complex
and highly variable phenomenon. The purpose of this web-site is to make
available the NC-1183 annual progress reports from the research project.
This site also will be a resource for current news about mycotoxins.

Develop data for use in risk assessment of mycotoxins in human and animal health

Establish integrated strategies to manage and to reduce mycotoxin contamination in cereal grains and distillers grains

Define the regulation of mycotoxin biosynthesis and the molecular relationships among mycotoxigenic fungi